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Europe, Middle East and Africa's Best Lounges of 2026
Across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the best airport lounges make travel more enjoyable, whether through local food and design, exceptional service or thoughtful comfort.
Now in their 18th year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards celebrate the lounges that have raised the bar for airport experiences across the region. Based on more than 702,000 member ratings and reviews, the awards recognise the lounges our members rate among the world's best.
Alongside our Lounge of the Year winners, we also recognise our One to Watch winners for raising the bar with exciting improvements over the past year. Together, these two award categories celebrate both outstanding lounge experiences today and the exciting lounges shaping the future of airport travel.
Inspired by Vienna
Named Europe's Lounge of the Year for the third year running, Vienna Lounge captures the elegance and hospitality of the Austrian capital.
Spacious and thoughtfully designed, it offers everything from runway views and quiet zones to workspaces, family areas and showers. A Viennese coffee house concept, Austrian wines and local cuisine add a strong sense of place, while artwork inspired by Klimt and Schiele brings a cultural touch.
Members consistently praise the lounge's food, service and atmosphere. One traveller described it as a beautiful lounge with fantastic food, drinks and amenities, while another highlighted its consistently high standards, friendly team and excellent selection of food and beverages.
A warm welcome in Johannesburg
Recognised as Lounge of the Year for the Middle East and Africa, Bidvest Premier Lounge at O. R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa has earned a reputation for warm hospitality and consistently excellent service.
Located at one of Africa's busiest airports, the lounge combines convenience with the welcoming atmosphere South Africa is known for. Comfortable seating, hot meals, local food options and practical amenities make it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.
What stands out most, however, is the service. Members regularly praise the attentiveness of the team and the consistency of the experience. One traveller described it as the best lounge experience they've ever had, highlighting the extensive breakfast offering, friendly staff and exceptional attention to detail throughout their visit.
A standout experience in Jersey
Highly Commended in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, No.1 Lounge Jersey has earned a loyal following among travellers passing through the island.
Members frequently highlight its calm atmosphere, comfortable seating and quality food and drink offering. Friendly service is another recurring theme, with many reviews praising the team for creating a welcoming environment that makes waiting for a flight feel far more enjoyable.
One member summed up the experience by describing it as a benchmark for other lounges to aspire to, praising the combination of great service, exceptional dining and a relaxed atmosphere.
A new chapter in Catania
Recognised as Europe, the Middle East and Africa's One to Watch, the VIP Lounge "Angelo D'Arrigo" at Catania Airport in Italy showcases the impact of thoughtful investment and redesign.
Recently expanded, the lounge offers a bright, contemporary space with runway views, comfortable seating and dedicated work areas. Fresh espresso and a curated beverage selection bring a touch of Sicilian hospitality, creating a welcoming retreat before departure.
Experience airport lounge excellence
From Viennese elegance and Johannesburg hospitality to island comfort in Jersey and a newly transformed experience in Catania, this year's winners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa demonstrate that there is no single formula for a great airport lounge.
Explore the full list of 2026 Priority Pass Excellence Awards winners to see which lounges our members rated among the very best across our global network.